Peter Crouch says England can emulate Chelsea’s dad’s army

England's provisional squad is the second oldest of all 32 teams participating in the competition, with 13 players aged 29 years old or over.

Chelsea, who could have four representatives — Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and former skipper John Terry — on the flight to South Africa next month, were criticised by some experts, including Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, for having too many veterans in their ranks this campaign.

But they went on to win the Premier League and FA Cup this season and Tottenham striker Crouch believes the array of senior talent can work in England's favour, too.

He said: "Chelsea winning the League shows that experience works in your favour. For me it's the best thing. If you have players aged 29, 30 and 31 who have been at the highest level for a long long time, it is certainly going to stand you in good stead at the World Cup."

Crouch feels the contingent from London's top clubs will also have a beneficial effect on the nation's chances.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham finished first, third and fourth respectively and have been rewarded accordingly with 11 players called up for the pre-training camp in Austria.

West Ham, who just survived relegation, provide three (Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker) but Crouch argues that the players who finished in the top four will be at the peak of their form.

Much is always made of the trio of West Ham stars — Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters — who inspired England in 1966 and Crouch said: "Hopefully London can do the same this time. Players from London clubs have a real chance of making an impact.

"It's great for the London clubs that three of the top four in the Premier League were from London and nearly half the squad is made up of players from those teams.

"We're all full of confidence because we've had fantastic seasons. Obviously Chelsea won the League, Arsenal qualified for the Champions League again and Spurs finished fourth.

"There are six Spurs players (Crouch, Ledley King, Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon, Tom Huddlestone and Jermain Defoe) in the squad and it certainly helps.

"It's great that we have that many and we're all full of confidence going into it on the back of a real good season. I scored the goal against Manchester City and the rest of the Tottenham players are feeling top of their game, too."

Crouch is involved in a battle with Emile Heskey to start the first game against the USA on 12 June alongside Wayne Rooney. On statistics alone, the 29-year-old is in front having scored 20 goals in 37 caps compared to the Aston Villa striker's record of seven in 57.

But Capello is a huge fan of Heskey and the friendly against Mexico on Monday could give both players a chance to convince the Italian they should be first choice.

Crouch insists the battle between the two is a fair fight and said: "We get on very well, he's a lovely guy. The manager will decide but until then we will both do as well as we can to try and cement our place in the team. Whoever starts the other will be cheering on from the stands.

"It just shows the quality of the squad. We have fantastic strength in depth. We have players chomping at the bit to be part of the team. You have to be on your toes if you have the shirt and perform to the best of your ability otherwise there will be someone top class trying to take your place.

"I have high hopes of doing well in South Africa. Obviously the last few games I have been happy with my performances and I have scored a few goals. I'm very proud of my goal record and hopefully that will be enough to be a part of this World Cup."